Developing local communities with Project Prabhat

Launched in December 2013, Project Prabhat (dawn) focuses on engaging with and contributing to the rural communities around Hindustan Unilever Limited’s key sites, such as factories, branches and depots. As a Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) led programme, the project’s efforts are concentrated on three key areas: enhancing livelihoods, water conservation, and improving health and well-being.

Livelihood

The livelihood initiatives aim to enhance employability skills of women and young people through vocational training. The skills range from retailing to tailoring. Project Prabhat has joined hands with LabourNet, Development Alternatives, Yusuf Meherally Centre and Mann Deshi Foundation to offer training at Prabhat Livelihood Centres across 17 locations.

Armed with new skill sets, the trainees have either acquired jobs in different organisations or have become entrepreneurs. Project Prabhat has recently launched ‘Project Mooo’ in collaboration with UDAY in Rajpura, Punjab. ‘Mooo’ an app-based dairy farming solution aims to improve cattle milk productivity in the region and enhance the livelihoods of dairy farmers.

Water

The water conservation initiative places emphasis on improving agri-based livelihoods. Led by Hindustan Unilever Foundation (HUF) in partnerships with reputed NGOs, the supply chain team of HUL drives the programme on ground. The initiative has increased capacities in water conservation in several areas and is currently active across seven manufacturing locations.

Health & Well-being

Over 4000 factory employees have volunteered as Swachhata Doots to drive home the importance of clean and hygienic habits in local communities.

Similarly, through the School Contact Programme for Nutrition, Nutrition Ambassadors (employee volunteers) hold awareness sessions in schools for children up to grade five to promote nutritious food habits.

These combined efforts have improved health, hygiene and nutrition practices in local communities.

Outreach

Project Prabhat’s initiatives have directly benefited more than 1.7 million (17 lakhs) people spread across more than 30 locations in India. Of these, over 30,000 people have been successfully certified and over 21,000 have already been linked to employment or entrepreneurial opportunities till December 2017.